Its time for What's Up Wednesday!What I'm Reading I didn't really read this week. I'm not sure how that happened. I read a few random pages here and there but I was always interrupted before I got very far. I did read the first lines of about a dozen different books thanks to this article on YaBuccaneers! I tried to read more of "Two Years Before the Mast" and I came to the realization that I like this book as a reference book (I have a lot of sailing in my WIP) but I do not enjoy it when I'm in the mood for something with a plot. I'm going to set it aside for now but I'm sure I will be going back to the first chapters for reference. They are full of nautical info. My new chapter a day classic is going to be The Great Gatsby. I wanted something short so I can feel accomplished before I move on to the next classic on my list, Anna Katerina.
What I'm Writing Does mental writing count? This week was insanely busy. I wanted to write so much I couldn't think of anything else but the only day I had time was the day my ancient laptop decide it was to tired to think. I have spent countless hours mulling over both of my books though and I have four novel ideas to choose from for NaNo. I also have little poems and lists of words and names scattered through out the house...
What Inspires Me Right Now Tea with honey sounds inspiring at the moment.
What Else I've Been up To Everything. Or at least if feels like it. I went to a Writer's conference over the weekend. It was wonderful to meet other writers and hear about their experiences. I wanted to write a piece about it to post today but I have a head cold and didn't get that far... hopefully soon. The rest of the week included attending a birthday party, taking my daughter to dance lessons, taking my son to homeschool p.e. class, LegoCon (a homeschool lego competition) making/leading a craft for story hour, running or walking in the evenings and trying to keep my two year old out of trouble. That last one is probably the hardest thing I do. I just had to pause writing this post because he somehow got his head wedged between the wall and his brother's bed and was stuck upside down. Of course, being nap time, he was suppose to be in his own bed.... hmm.
What have you been up to?
Mental writing definitely counts. Stories have to start in your imagination, right? I need to read THE GREAT GATSBY soon too, seeing as I've never read it before (believe it or not) and would like to before watching the latest version of the movie. LegoCon sounds like a blast. My son is into Lego too, although he mostly sticks to the kits. I hope your head cold feels better soon, and that your son gets his head unstuck all right (too funny BTW)!
ReplyDeleteThat's true, they do! I haven't read GATSBY yet either. It seemed like one of those things that I should read. I want to read it before I see the movie too. My oldest son is so into legos right now. He really likes all the Star War and Ninjago ones.
DeleteOh, and my youngest is safely "unstuck" :)
Sounds like a busy week, Sarah! And I agree with Erin -- mental writing totally counts. I do my best "writing" when I'm running or driving or showering. Hopefully you can get some words on paper soon. Have a fantastic week, Sarah!
ReplyDeleteI do mine while running and showering too! I usually have little people talking to me when I'm driving but I still get the occasional random idea. Hope you have a great week too :)
DeleteSometimes, I think, I'm more productive when mentally writing than when I'm desperately trying to make things work by typing and typing. It's a perfect way to work through plot problems or begin to really understand a character. Sometimes I'll just put music on and imagine scenes—those always end up my strongest. So technically you had a very productive week. :)
ReplyDeleteI will have to try imagining scenes to music. That sounds like an awesome idea!
DeleteThe fact that you mentioned my post for the YA Buccaneers totally made my day! :) So thanks for that!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that you have a cold, though. That's no fun. I'm looking forward to hearing all about the conference you attended when you're feeling better!
Mental writing counts in my book for sure; it's a necessity! I stew over ideas and let the bits and pieces of stories accumulate for ages sometimes. Without that time to percolate, writing actual stories just doesn't happen for me.
Best of luck with the thinking, writing, and everything else, Sarah. And I hope you feel better soon!
I'm really enjoying YA Buccaneers :)
DeleteHopefully all my metal writing will turn into visible progress soon and thanks for stopping by!
Yes mental writing counts. Sometimes it's best to think about the story for a while. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteTHE GREAT GATSBY was one of the first books I tackled in my Chapter A Day classics challenge because I'd never actually read it before. It's a pretty quick read, so that's a plus, especially before tackling ANNA KARENINA. And I'm going to agree with everyone else and say that mental writing totally counts. That's where ideas are born and where story issues get sorted out. :-)
ReplyDeleteMental writing is fine, just be sure to take notes. Mental notes can be too easy to misplace, and are hard to tear up.
ReplyDeleteBusy week, I didn't read either.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've had a crazy busy week - but also fun busy! I love writing conferences and so good you got to go to one! Also, LEGOCON? My son would LOVE that! Must look into it!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy The Great Gatsby. I like that book, but Tender is the Night is my favourite Fitzgerald novel and I highly recommend it!
ReplyDeleteMental writing definitely counts ;) Have a great week.